Sculpture Walk in Östermalm

Public sculpture can often be received by one of two extremes, it might be ignored and forgotten or the subject of public outcry remaining long after the artist's lifetime. The sculpture walk in Östermalm provides example of both these types. We set off from the still controversial sculpture Meeting (Möte) by Willy Gordon at Östermalmstorg and we finish by the equally much debated Aviator Monument (Flygarmonumentet) created by Carl Milles, Karlaplan.

Whether a sculpture becomes unknown or infamous depends of course on the commission. Sculptures that are placed on squares and open spaces are often well known and discussed, whereas facade sculptures receive less attention and their creators can remain anonymous to the viewer even though they might often be prominent sculptors. Between the two debated sculptures mentioned above we see many examples of collaboration between sculptors and architects in public space, and we discuss what this has meant and still means for the art of sculpture. During the walk we become acquainted with some of Sweden´s most famous sculptors. On building facades we see works by for example Arne Jones, Bror Marklund and Carl Eldh, and skirting the trail of sculptures on Karlavägen we meet artists such as Carl Milles and Gert Marcus.

This walk starts at Östermalmstorg and passes via Storgatan and Artillerigatan to the sculpture trail on Karlavägen, continues on to Narvavägen and finishes by Karlaplan.